“Since Day 1, Alberta has been clear that the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act during the COVID-19 pandemic violated the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Albertans and gave the federal government the ability to seize property without due process of law.
“The Federal Court released its decision on Jan. 23 that the issuance of emergency orders under the Emergencies Act was unreasonable and a contravention of the act. This court decision reaffirms that regulations under the act violated charter rights to freedom of expression and that the orders infringed upon the rights of Albertans, and Canadians, to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.
“This is another example of the Federal Court ruling against the federal government’s unconstitutional practices. Whether it’s this court decision or their defeat on plastics or the Impact Assessment Act, it is clear the federal government simply does not understand or respect the Constitution of Canada.
“We are disappointed that the federal government has indicated it will be appealing the decision. The unnecessary use of the Emergencies Act set a dark and dangerous precedent, and if the federal government will not acknowledge that fact, Alberta will continue to champion the charter rights of Albertans and all Canadians.
“We want to thank the Canadian Constitution Foundation and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, as well as all the parties involved in initiating this legal challenge, for their dedication to protecting and upholding the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
“We continue to review the Federal Court’s reasons and will be prepared to intervene in the federal appeal should the government move ahead.”